Comparable to the program settings of the London Olympic Games and the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, the Nanjing Youth Olympics will feature 28 sports - adding golf and rugby events - and 222 events attracting a total of 3,868 athletes, 282 more than the last edition.

"Our goals at the Youth Olympcis are different from those for the Olympics. The point of the Youth Games is to promote Olympic spirit and help young people build a healthy life style," said chef de mission Xiao Tian on Monday.

As a major event for young people, the YOG has actively tried to distinguish itself from the Olympic Games in terms of the program settings. Inline skating, skateboarding and rock climbing have been included as the showcase sports. Besides, Wushu (Chinese martial arts) was selected as the cultural and educational activity.

"I expect to perform to my best at the Games, but I don't want to push myself too hard by setting some goal for the event," said Lin Guipu, a 17-year-old rising badminton star.

"It doesn't matter I win or lose a match, I just want to play my game and show what I have."

As a gathering of the youth from around the world, YOG has evolved not only as a sporting event, but a platform for cultural and educational campaigns.

Lin, who has been called to the national team and crowned at the world youth championships this year, said he hopes to make more friends at the upcoming event.

"I was at the Asian Youth Games in Nanjing last year, and I won the gold medal. I also made some friends there. I think communication is also important at this stage. This time at the YOG, we will have more rest time, so I and my young friends will be staying together much longer, hopefuly we can learn more from each other," added Lin.

The Youth Olympics is a sporting event tailor-made for today's youth of the world. In 2001, the Youth Olympics were proposed by Jacques Rogge, former President of the International Olympic Committee. Singapore held the inaugural Youth Olympics in 2010. The second Summer Youth Olympic Games will be held in Nanjing from Aug. 16-28.